Germany bounced back from their shock defeat to Slovakia with a much-needed 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Cologne, a result that brought back to life their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. It wasn’t all smooth throughout the game, however, as Julian Nagelsmann’s side were pegged back after taking the lead, and frustration in the stands was evident at half-time.
Speaking to DFB.de after the game, the head coach admitted that his side still has plenty of work to do, but praised the way his substitutions turned the game around. Softfootball understands that Nagelsmann was particularly pleased with the impact of Nadiem Amiri and Maximilian Beier, whose energy helped swing the momentum back in Germany’s favour.
In his words to the press after the game in Cologne via the germany football website, he said;
We deserved to take the lead when we did. After that, though, we let in the only shot that the opposition had today, and just like that, we were level again. In the phase following that, we were much too slow on the ball. I made sure to tell the lads that at half time. What’s going on? We conceded an equaliser. Wow! That happens all the time in football. The fans were whistling. Again, wow!,Now what’s important is that we react properly. Later in the game we made some good substitutions. I thought that we were back on the right track for the last 30 minutes. We had to win this game, and we did just that.
The 36-year-old boss also responded to the whistles from the fans at the stadium, which he acknowleged their frustrations but still urged the home fans to channel their energy in a better way. He pointed out that constant criticism could harm the team rather than help with its development,at a time when togetherness is needed the most.
Softfootball reports that Nagelsmann is keen to keep rotating his midfield options depending on the opposition, likening his approach to Formula 1 tyre choices. He also stressed the need to build momentum over the next four matches, making it clear that Germany’s goal is not just to qualify, but to do so convincingly. With the group now wide open, Nagelsmann’s men will be under pressure to to top the group heading into November international break.
